The New Year is here, which means plenty of food, cheer, and travel! Whether you’re traveling to grandma’s house, escaping the winter down south, or staying put at home – it’s important to make sure that your car is prepared for whatever weather it may endure. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 10 important ways you can prepare your car for winter travel.
During the winter months it’s crucial to make sure that your fluids are fresh in order to get through the cold weather of the season. Pay special attention to your antifreeze as well and make sure that it doesn’t need to be replaced!
Are your blades functioning properly, or do they grab a little at your windshield? The last thing you want is to be driving in a snowstorm and be unable to clear the window. Be sure to get blades that are designed for ice and snowy weather in order to deal with the elements!
One of the best things you can do is check the life on your car battery. The worst thing to happen before heading into work is to find that your car won’t start due to a low-powered battery! A fresh battery will be free of corrosion, build-up, and will never let you down.
There are a few things you want to check when it comes to your tires in the winter. First, check the treads – are they worn down and need replacing? Worn treads can lead to dangerous slipping and sliding on the roadway. Next, you’ll want to check the tire pressure so that your tires are properly inflated – this will also help your traction in the wintry weather. Lastly, you should find out if your tires need to be rotated, or if you possibly want to add snow tires to navigate the roads a little easier.
You never want to stray too close to empty on a regular basis, but it is especially important when it comes to winter weather. You may have to take detours, run into unexpected traffic, or find yourself parked and need to run the car to keep the heat going! In any case, it is best practice to keep that tank filled at least halfway at all times.
Once you’ve done your regular bits and pieces, take your car into the shop to have a tune-up. Don’t leave anything to chance, and make sure your mechanic runs over all of the necessary functions to keep you safe in the event of ice and snow!
This goes for all year round, but especially when there’s a chance that you could find yourself stranded in the cold weather. Keep a first aid kit with you at all times – you can find perfect kits to keep in the trunk of your car! For winter, be sure to add some warm clothes, jackets, blankets, and hats. You’ll also want extra food and bottled water. You should also be sure to have a car care kit, including flares, a snow brush and ice scraper, a bag of salt for added traction, and a tire jack and jumper cables to get you going in an emergency situation!
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